While this can be up to each agency's workflow, we recommend that the child or caregiver complete the screening tool while in the waiting room, prior to their appointment.

It’s okay to answer their questions. This is not like an IQ test or psychological testing where the results could be skewed

Most communities have access to therapeutic resources for children and adolescents, both urgent and non-urgent. We encourage you to search for resources in your community. If you cannot find anything, you can email us at safechild@fairview.org and we will assist you. If a youth is in crisis, they can text MN or HOME to 741741 for immediate attention.

Talk to the youth about your obligation to ensure their safety and explain that it is important that the caregiver know they are experiencing thoughts of suicide. Give the youth some options: they can tell their caregiver in the office, you can tell the caregiver with them present, or you can tell the caregiver without them there. Remind them that your goal is to make sure they are safe and healthy.

Nope. One of the best features of the child traumatic stress care process model is that it can be administered by people who don't have a clinical background. In-office interventions (such as teaching guiding imagery, belly breathing, or progressive muscle relaxation) can be taught by any individual who is comfortable teaching these skills, clinical background not necessary. Choose a skill that you are comfortable teaching and share your knowledge with the families you see in clinic.